Beginner's guide to mobile broadband

Mobile broadband is a general term referring to internet access using the mobile phone network. Other common terms are 3G, UMTS and wireless broadband

Getting connected to mobile broadband is very similar to buying a mobile phone. Rather than buying a mobile phone and paying for the minutes used, you buy a 3G modem and pay for the megabytes used.

As with mobile phones you can take out a contract for which you are charged each month and includes a set amount of data usage. Or you can Pay As You Go (PAYG) and buy credit upfront.

A 3G modem is the device required for making the connection. Most mobile networks will include this as part of a contract or charge a one off amount, some where between £20 - £60 if you decide to Pay As You Go.

The modem is small, about the size of a cigarette lighter and plugs into your computer. It has all the required software loaded on it and the first time it’s plugged in the software will start to install automatically. The setup is usually quick and with little user interaction, good for technophobes.